Why is there PTFE and Kynar- PVDF long lead times
Over the last year, the market has had more challenges than I've come across around my 3 decades experience. In the past I have seen sharp price increases, and I have seen several shortages, and delivery delays due to resin allocations through plastic resin vendors. This is the very first time I have seen all these issues at the same time.
PTFE Sheet (TFE) and PVDF both are on allocation.
This pair of resins are in short supply. The PTFE Sheet suppliers product PTFE (TFE) as well as Kynar-PVDF manufacturing requires a mineral called Fluorspar that is mined in Mongolia and China. The world interest in this mineral has grown significantly, as well as supply has tightened. PTFE materials have high temperature resistance, excellent chemical resistance and really low co-efficient of friction (slick) and is utilized in dozens of purposes from non-stick fry kitchenware to ptfe tape for home use. This mineral is actually a important raw material within the production of fluoropolymers, fluorolubricants and many refrigerants.This surge in demand linked with shortage of raw materials is mainly responsible for a dramatic price increase (almost double during the last year), shortages, and we expect both these factors to stay in affect in the near future.
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